Channel 7 receives mixed reviews for Brian Taylor’s awkward post-match interviews

SOME viewers call it “train wreck TV”. Others can’t look away. Actually, they could be the same people. Debate is raging over Brian Taylor’s awkward post-match interviews. WATCH AND VOTE

SOME viewers have labelled it cringe-worthy, embarrassing and “train wreck TV”.

Others think it’s the best part of Channel 7’s footy coverage.

Either way, there’s no denying Brian Taylor’s post-match interviews are incredibly awkward.

Taylor initiated the “Roaming Brian” segment after the Bulldogs defeated Sydney in Round 2, wandering around the Dogs’ rooms after the game and sticking his microphone under the nose of any player he bumped into.

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It has now become a regular part of the Friday night coverage, despite some cases of mistaken identity, awkward silences, even more awkward interactions with officials and fans, and players finding places to hide as Taylor approaches.

Players aren’t always sure how to respond to Brian Taylor.

Highlights so far this season have included “BT” watching Hawk Josh Gibson chow down a post-match hamburger complete with BT commentary — “there it is, the first bite after the game” — debating the merits of Diet Coke v Gatorade with Geelong ruckman Zac Smith, and Taylor confessing he interviewed Hawthorn emergency Kade Stewart thinking he had just played in the game.

He has also drawn fire on Twitter for interrupting players catching up with famiy and friends, and crashing interviews being conducted by radio stations in the rooms.

The positive spin is that it’s seat-of-the-pants live TV complete with all the pitfalls that come with it.

It also showcases increased access to players, something players say they are willing to provide more of as part of the next pay deal. After BT’s segment last week we now know Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker will climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Crows’ bye because “I got given it for my birthday a couple of years ago”.

You can judge for yourself thanks to the YouTube account Freekick Hawthorn, which has compiled a 10-minute “Best of Roaming Brian” video. Watch it below and check out the mixed Twitter reviews.

First time watching channel 7 after the game. BT in the change rooms. Train wreck television

— Adrian (@BoomShakalakkaa) June 9, 2017

Amazing how Channel 7 blends the thrill of live sport with live horror by sending BT into the rooms after the game. #aflsaintsgiants

— Paul Nolan (@pwnolan) May 5, 2017

This is chaotic TV. Who at Channel 7 thought a roaming BT in the rooms post-match was a good idea? #AFLSwansPies

— Marc McGowan (@McGowan_AFL) April 7, 2017

I have a confession to make. I absolutely love the #roamingbrian segment 👏👍 https://t.co/MUlwd8iysw

— DCarbs23 (@dcarbs23) June 10, 2017

@7AFL please don't ever get rid of #roamingbrian #puregold

— Will Johnston (@johnno313) June 9, 2017

#roamingbrian much better than #commentatorbrian @7afl #aflcrowssaints

— 1world (@_1world) June 9, 2017